Regular readers know I use tablets, many different tablets, with keyboards for getting work done. I am happy with this method as it works well for me. As good as this is, there is no way I'd use a hybrid as my only computer due to the compromises that go along with that.

It seems the holy grail in mobile for many people is the quest to find that one system that can be their full-time computer and tablet. The lure of having one single device that meets all computing needs is powerful, but not very practical.

I used to be looking for the same thing, but I've come to realize that a tablet/laptop hybrid is not going to be both a great tablet and a very good laptop. I'm still going to need a good desktop system or notebook on my desk in addition to any hybrid solution I use. The hybrids are going to fill the role of a secondary system at best.

I don't think there is, nor will there ever be, a single device that can be my only computer. The reason is simple — for me the attributes of a good tablet (size, weight, etc.) are at odds with those required to make a good laptop.

What it won't (and can't) do is become a primary PC that meets all my needs. Like virtually every hybrid out there, the lack of a full complement of ports, the small display, and the under-sized keyboard, will not have the versatility that I require to have it serve as my only computer. I believe that is true for most folks, including many of those searching for a single hybrid device to meet all of their computing needs.

I don't think there is, nor will there ever be, a single device that can be my only computer. The reason is simple — for me the attributes of a good tablet (size, weight, etc.) are at odds with those required to make a good laptop. I've used tablets with screens big enough (e.g. 12+ inches) to also be a decent laptop, and those failed miserably at the tablet functions.

Your mileage may vary but for me, a tablet with a screen larger than 10 inches is too big to be comfortable. I don't like holding a bigger tablet in my hands for very long. While the 10-inch display can make for a fine secondary computer, it's not big enough to be a main computer. The display is too small to use all the time, and more importantly it forces the keyboard on the hybrid to be too small for full-time use.

To be clear, I use 10-inch tablets all the time in my work, and usually with a hybrid keyboard of some type. This works fine for me, but only for reasonable periods. I couldn't use this all the time as my only computing setup without compromise, and I don't think many others could either.

The attributes that make for a good tablet fail as a full-time laptop, and vice versa. I don't believe it is possible for a single hybrid device to adequately serve all tablet and laptop needs for most folks. The mad search for the perfect device to fill all computing needs is just that — a mad search.

It's sort of like I've been saying for a long time about mobile tech in general. There will never be a perfect mobile device because everyone's needs and likes are different. What is perfect for me may be trash for you. We like different things so your perfect device may be impractical for me. And that's OK, that's why we have choice which is always a good thing.

I don't think choice will help most shoppers find the perfect hybrid that can meet all their needs. Tablets and laptops are too different to meld them into that perfect device.

Thank You

By registering you become a member of the CBS Interactive family of sites and you have read and agree to the Terms of Use, Privacy Policy and Video Services Policy. You agree to receive updates, alerts and promotions from CBS and that CBS may share information about you with our marketing partners so that they may contact you by email or otherwise about their products or services.
You will also receive a complimentary subscription to the ZDNet's Tech Update Today and ZDNet Announcement newsletters. You may unsubscribe from these newsletters at any time.